Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

Acai Travel secures $4M for AI efficiency tools for agents
News / Startups
Acai Travel secures $4M for AI efficiency tools for agents
By Linda Fox | November 7, 2024
The funding will further the startups’ ambition to build an operating system to drive efficiency in... Read More
How startups, entrepreneurs and investors can avoid a genAI car crash
From Our Partners / Startups
How startups, entrepreneurs and investors can avoid a genAI car crash
By Chris Hemmeter, Thayer Investment Partners | November 7, 2024
In the first of a series of posts, Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Around Us wants to transform exploration through its travel companion app
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Around Us wants to transform exploration through its travel companion app
By Mileva Sapic | November 4, 2024
The Around Us app is built on a proprietary geographic information system that allows users to... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024
By Mileva Sapic | November 4, 2024
Sixteen of our Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2024 let us know how they’re doing nearly a year after... Read More
How Africa's online travel ecosystem is developing despite huge hurdles
News / Startups
How Africa's online travel ecosystem is developing despite huge hurdles
By Marisa Garcia | October 30, 2024
Amid the growing and increasingly young population in Africa, the online travel sector is developing,... Read More
Cruisebound brings travel industry veterans on board with $13M investment
News / Startups
Cruisebound brings travel industry veterans on board with $13M investment
By Mileva Sapic | October 29, 2024
Cruisebound said it has been hitting growth milestones over the past two years, including securing... Read More
STARTUP STAGE: Travly connects brands through targeted engagement
Interview / Startups
STARTUP STAGE: Travly connects brands through targeted engagement
By Mileva Sapic | October 28, 2024
Travly offers brands the opportunity for custom content creation, made by real travelers, and enhanced... Read More
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
News / Startups
Where are they now? Catching up with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2023
By Mileva Sapic | October 28, 2024
Fetcherr, Grapevine and Holibob update PhocusWire on what they've been up to since they were named... Read More
Radical Storage packs away $7M for luggage storage service
News / Startups
Radical Storage packs away $7M for luggage storage service
By Linda Fox | October 25, 2024
Radical Storage currently has a network of more than 9,000 businesses distributed across more than... Read More
Hotel Treats, Nowadays named People's Choice winners at the 2024 Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Hotel Treats, Nowadays named People's Choice winners at the 2024 Global Startup Pitch
By PhocusWire | October 21, 2024
The competition began in the spring with more than 200 startups, and the attendees at WiT Singapore... Read More
Sponsored Content
From Our Partners
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
May 6, 2025
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More